Do I need AP classes to get into Notre Dame?

My scores are…

2200 SAT
33 ACT
4.0 GPA

I am homeschooled and I havent taken any AP classes and I am currently in 11th grade. Do I even have a chance?

Yeah - you should take a few to improve your chance. They want you to show rigor. Have you taken college level courses at say a local cc or online?

Yes you have a chance. You could take either SAT Subject Tests or AP Tests. Being homeschooled you have an additonal burden to show academic rigor. Your test scores are very, very good. The challenge is to somehow demonstrate that while you have been home schooled you have done a good job covering HS curriculum material. You know what you might want to do? Call your ND Admissions counselor and explain your situation and ask him/her how you can best demonstrate academic rigor. Plenty of home schooled students get into top colleges each year so it is possible. Notre Dame average test scores have gotten very high but you are definitely within the range

You’re a solid candidate, but for ND a little prayer can’t hurt.

Do Home Schooled Students in your State, qualify for Free Tuition, Fees and Books through the Dual Enrollment Program in your State or through the your local School District? You could complete over 30 College Credits through this program and as long as these courses are taught on Campus and is not used to satisfy High School Graduation Requirements, they are transferable to ND and is considered as rigorous as AP (as far as assigned weight). You could start taking these courses during the Summer and probably devote all your Senior Year doing Dual Enrollment.

Your stats are very good and trust me, as a homeschooled student with similar stats, when I say that you don’t NEED AP’s or SAT Subject tests. Depending on your courseload (approximately how many courses did you take a year? Have you taken more than 8? Are you in the 10 range?) that can qualify as rigor too. The average HS student takes 7 classes a year; if you do more and can handle and retain the information well, you can show rigor that way. Even if you didn’t load up with courses, you don’t need AP’s and SAT Subject tests to prove your rigor as a homeschooler. Key words: as a homeschooler. Don’t feel you have to do extra because of your unconventional education. Homeschoolers are the same as regular students; AP’s and SAT Subject tests prove your rigor as a student. It’s your choice if you want to take any.

It doesn’t hurt to do AP’s and you’re certainly not screwed because you are a junior with none. Some high schools don’t even allow their kids to take AP’s until junior year. If you want to do something rigor-related this year, you can always go to a CC and pick up some classes or take CLEP tests. CLEPs are like APs except the test is administered on the computer and you find out the score as soon as you are done. Mostly, colleges grant you credit for CLEP. Don’t be turned off by them because someone else thinks they’re unreliable or shady; CLEPs are great ways of showing rigor, getting credit, and saving money!

You are certainly not screwed. :slight_smile: I recommend taking at least 2-3 AP classes senior year but don’t stress yourself out. Good luck and please feel free to PM me if you have any more questions about homeschooling and the college process!

The rule of thumb -even if not always in some cases like TheDidactic’s- is that APs aren’t necessary for homeschooled students, but external validation is. That would include Dual-enrollment classes at a community college or other college, AP test, SAT Subjects (most selective colleges will require 2 at the very least).

Homeschoolers have the burden of validating grades and mastery. ND asks for subject tests or AP tests for homeschoolers. They seem to be ‘homeschool friendly’ but they want outside proof --not just grades from Mom. You can also email them an additional letter of recommendation.
From their website: "Home-schooled applicants
In addition to our standard application requirements, three SAT Subject Tests, one each in History, Foreign Language, and Science, are recommended for home-schooled applicants. Students may choose the exams they wish to take within these subject areas. If a home-schooled student has an AP exam in one of these subject areas, it can substitute for the SAT Subject Test.

If you have any questions about applying as a home-schooled student, feel free to call the Admissions Office at 574-631-7505."

Doesn’t sound like ND is that homeschool friendly then. Ideally, no homeschooler should have to validate their grades and mastery. I understand why schools ask for that though. When it comes to letters of recommendation, just get them from coaches, pastors, supervisors, bosses etc. You don’t have to get them from outside teachers but if you have them and you would like to use them, go ahead.

ND’s admission rate for homeschoolers is higher than schooled kids. Some schools require an interview of homeschoolers and some require or recommend extra tests. I don’t think that’s unfriendly–they are just making sure the scores backup the grades. I’m a homeschool parent and am not offended by this. Many inflate grades.